Who remembers seeing the movie, Hitch? It was set in New York City against the seemingly never ending perfect warm summer NYC weather. (laugh laugh)
One of the hallmark scenes is when Will Smith’s character “Hitch” is attempting to romance Eva Mendez’s character, “Sara Melas.”
He whisked her off to Ellis Island on jet skis to show her the authentic signature of her Great-Great-Grandfather who had immigrated through Ellis Island.
Of course, this goes bad for him when she burst into tears to announce that her Grandfather was a murderer and a family disgrace.
So, in honor of the movie and all those who immigrated via Ellis Island – we celebrate today, April 17, as part of “Immigrant Heritage week.”
But why April 17?
On this day, in 1907, the largest number of immigrants (over 11,000) came through Ellis Island on a single day. Ellis island was open from 1892-1954 and during those years 12,000,000 immigrants arrived. Statistics reveal that that 40% of U.S. citizens can link their ancestors to Ellis Island.
My maternal grandfather was one of those notable immigrants!
Jens Einar Jensen Brunsgaard.
We just called him, “Grandpa Jim.” His family lived and worked a farm in Nicoberg, Denmark. Grandpa Jim hated the farm – he wanted the sea. At the age of 17, he left home to serve in the Danish Navy. Among his duties was to protect trade ships during WWI – knowing it was essential to win the war. At the end of the war and with a new worldview, he knew he wanted a new life – not to return to the farm. As a 20-year-old, he determined to travel to America – and did it alone. He came through Ellis Island, answered the vital questions, and submitted to medical exams for legal admittance.
(second name from bottom in below picture)
He was asked if had any money, had ever been supported by charity, had contacts for employment in the U.S., and if he had ever been in-prison or a psychiatric hospital.
The medical exam included inspection for contagious diseases that could pose a public health risk.
I was able to find his documents and answers to these questions and his signature in the books on Ellis Island.
One of his first impressions of NYC occurred when he went to Coney Island and bought corn-on-a-stick for 10 cents. He only knew corn to be feed for farm animals – so this was odd to him. He fondly recalled how delicious it was with the warm butter. As the story was told, he bought multiple ears – so much that he became sick. He would say that he, Learned his lesson! That corn can still be purchased today!
In 1923, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen by serving in the U.S. Coast Guard for 3 years. As a man who had seen communism and fascism in Europe, he chose to join the U.S. Navy in 1940 – as WWII began and the U.S. involvement was inevitable.
Humorously, this man of character taught me how to play poker and he let me win! My mother never liked this evening activity. He was a sailor until the end!
Yes, that is me with Grandpa Jim !
In the 1970s and 80s, my Grandma and Grandpa Jim lived in Melbourne, FL. In his valiant effort to maintain relationship with his granddaughters, he typed letters and mailed them to us during those years. In the 1980s, he allowed someone to interview him which was recorded – and we have preserved to this day!
My Grandpa Jim was a man of character and valor. Today, he is buried alongside my Grandma in Arlington National Cemetery.
If you are one of the 40% of U.S. citizens that can link their ancestors to Ellis Island.
Join us in June or November – and take the time to visit Ellis Island!
We can help plan your trip!